Word
encyclopedia
Phoneticsen·cy·clo·pe·dia
US/ɪnˌsaɪkɫəˈpidiə/
UK/ɛnsˌaɪkləʊpˈiːdiə/
UK spelling · encyclopaedia
Definitions
01reference work
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun
n. a book or website that gives information on many subjects, often arranged from A to Z.
n. a comprehensive reference work containing articles on various subjects, typically arranged alphabetically. While traditionally printed in multiple volumes, the term now frequently refers to digital databases.
“I looked up the history of Rome in the encyclopedia for my school project.”
“Before the internet became the primary source of information, many families invested in a printed encyclopedia to help their children with research.”
Synonyms
02person with vast knowledge
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Informal
n. a person who knows a lot of facts about many different things.
n. a person who possesses a vast and comprehensive range of knowledge. Often used metaphorically in the phrase 'a walking encyclopedia'.
“My grandfather is a walking encyclopedia when it comes to classic cars.”
“The professor was a virtual encyclopedia of medieval history, able to cite obscure dates and names without ever consulting his notes.”
Synonyms
03summary of knowledge
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Archaic · Formal
n. a complete summary of all the information in a specific area of study.
n. a comprehensive summary of a specific branch of knowledge or the entire circle of arts and sciences.
“The old text was intended to be an encyclopedia of all medical knowledge at the time.”
“The philosopher's ultimate ambition was to compile a complete encyclopedia of human reason, categorising every possible thought and emotion.”
Etymology
Etymology tree ▲ Proto-Indo-European *h₁en- Proto-Indo-European *h₁en- Proto-Indo-European *h₁én Ancient Greek ἐν (en) Ancient Greek ἐν- (en-) Proto-Indo-European *kʷel- Proto-Indo-European *kʷékʷlos Ancient Greek κύκλος (kúklos) Proto-Indo-European *-yósder. Ancient Greek -ιος (-ios) Ancient Greek ἐγκύκλῐος (enkúklĭos) Proto-Indo-European *peh₂w-der. Proto-Hellenic *pā́wits Ancient Greek παῖς (paîs) Ancient Greek -εύς (-eús) Ancient Greek -εύω (-eúō) Ancient Greek παιδεύω (paideúō) Proto-Indo-European *-h₂ Proto-Indo-European *-éh₂ Proto-Indo-European *-i-eh₂ Proto-Hellenic *-íā Ancient Greek -ία (-ía) Ancient Greek παιδείᾱ (paideíā) Ancient Greek ἐγκύκλιος παιδείᾱ (enkúklios paideíā)bor. New Latin encyclopaedīalbor. English encyclopedia Borrowed from New Latin encyclopēdīa, encyclopaedīa (“general education”), a univerbated form of Koine Greek ἐγκύκλιος παιδείᾱ (enkúklios paideíā, “education in the circle of arts and sciences”), from Ancient Greek ἐγκύκλιος (enkúklios, “circular”) + παιδείᾱ (paideíā, “childrearing; education”) (q.v.). Nearly all modern English usage of the word was influenced by the scope and format of the French Encyclopédie by Diderot et al. (see quotation).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/encyclopedia